How to Start a Car without Using a Keyless Key How to Start a Car Without Having a Key?

We all misplace our car keys from time to time, but how will you start your car if you can’t find it? You can avoid being stuck again by learning how to open a car door without the key. It’s also important to figure out how to start the car when you lose the key fob or it breaks.

It is almost impossible for modern cars to be started without the correct key. You can sometimes start older cars without the key by using a screwdriver with a hammer. You can also hotwire your engine.

For a vehicle with a more recent model of car, either the original key must be found or it should be town to an authorized locksmith.

This guide will help you to identify the options so that your car can start. We also look at what you should do if you don’t have a working key fob. 

How to start a car without a key

Modern automobiles have an immobilizer. You must keep the original key close to the ignition switch. The immobilizer will not turn on no matter what you do, so make sure the transponder is in your key. These techniques work with older vehicles that do not have an immobilizer.

1. Screwdriver/Hammer 

The easiest way to get your engine started is with a screwdriver & hammer or a drill & dill. But be careful. If you make a wrong move, you could damage the car’s ignition switch. 

This technique is used to disengage the lock pins. It can also damage your key mechanism and require it to be replaced. To access the location where the inner flaps of the ignition begin, you will need to open the door. You will need to reach the keyhole approximately 2/3 inch. Access the keyhole with your drill or hammer.

Once you have the access you need, you can use the screwdriver to insert the head into the motor and then turn it on. If there’s no screwdriver handy, any metal piece that’s flat might work. 

2. Hotwire Engine

You can’t hotwire a newer car, but it should work with most models to the 1990s. This allows you to bypass the ignition.

The steering column cover plastic must be removed. On each side, you will see screws. This should provide you access to the car’s ignition system. 

Before you attempt to wire it, make sure to check the wiring diagram. A bad wiring design can lead to the destruction of all electric parts.

Before you move forward, make sure to put on protective or insulated gloves. Red battery wires will often be used, while brown and yellow wires that are related to ignition are more common. You will need to cut the ends of both the power and battery wires. You can start the engine by connecting the battery wire ends to the power wiring and twisting them.

RELATED: Hotwiring a Car In An Emergency (In 8 Easy Steps). 

3. Red Coil Wire

The red coil wire can be used on an old car provided you're familiar with the basics of your car. You should make sure you have the correct wiring diagram for your vehicle. Every car is different. You don’t want to put power to anything that could be damaged.

Go under the car’s hood to find the red coil wire. To connect the positive voltage terminal to the wire, use a jump start cable. It’s also called the positive side of the coil. 

This technique will allow you to directly apply 12 volts to the coil. For the starter solenoid to be located, you need to access the steering wheel. This wire should be connected to the positive terminal of your battery. The engine will crank once power has been applied to the solenoid cable. 

RELATED: Key Fob dead? Here’s How to Unlock & Start it (6 Steps)

How to start a car without a keyless key

It is possible to have trouble starting the engine or getting into your car if the key fob batteries goes out. There are backup options to make sure you have the ability to use your vehicle. 

First, open the door manually. First, you should try the smart key located at the handle of the door. The battery might have sufficient juice to allow you to open the door, even though it's dead. To test if the battery works, hold it near to the handle. 

If that doesn’t work, your smart key should also contain a mechanical key for emergency use. This key will be located in the key assembly. Open the doors by pulling out the key. 

If the smart key’s battery dies, you might also be able to start the engine. Each fob contains a radio frequency (RF) chip. It doesn’t need a strong battery for the sensors and immobilizer circuit to read it.

The key fob should be placed close to the Start Engine button. The engine will start if the RF chips are detected. 

However, if you lose the key fob, you won’t be able to operate your car at all unless the automaker allows you to operate the vehicle with a mobile app. Even with this technology, it’s often required that you have your key on you. It’s typically not possible to get moving without it. 

RELATED: Key Fob dead? Here’s How to Unlock & Start it (6 Steps)

Types of Car Keys & Cost to Replace

1. Traditional Key

An older vehicle comes with an original type of key. It’s similar to what’s used for houses and other standard locks. There’s no feature included to open the trunk, doors or gas tank remotely.

The traditional key doesn’t offer a lot of security for your vehicle, considering it only costs a few dollars to have it copied. However, if you lose your key, you are in better shape with this type because it’s easy to get.

2. Remotely controlled key

A traditional key can also include a remote control. This remote doesn’t change how you start the car, but it can offer other functionality.

You can use the remote to arm or disable your security system. The remote can lock and unlock doors. The key can be replaced easily, but the cost of the remote may vary depending on the car you have. 

3. Transponder Key

This key type was originally introduced in the 1990s. It’s also known as a chip key. While it looks like a traditional key, it’s more secure because of the built-in chip that emits a signal to the ignition coil.

They are identical. When the codes are identical, the engine will turn on. 

There’s also a rolling code transponder key model, which is more advanced. Each time the key is used, it generates a new code. This system ensures it can’t be easily cloned. To replace the transponder key, it might be between $150-$225 

4. Smart Key

It has keyless starting. The key can be left in your pocket while you start the engine. The ignition system will activate and unlock the vehicle once the key is placed in its area. You don’t stick a key in the ignition. You just press the button to start the engine. 

To get a replacement key, you must call the locksmith or dealership. This can prove to be quite costly. For a brand new smart key, expect to spend between $75 and $450. 

5. Digital Key

Only a handful of manufacturers use the digital key, which is new technology. You can use a smartphone app to open the vehicle and turn the key. 

This advanced technology ensures that the car doesn’t lock if your phone is still in the car. You would not be able to enter the car again if this happened. However, there’s been some concern about how secure this system is and how easy it would be to hack.